Cornus sanguinea 'MIDWINTER FIRE' common dogwood, bloodtwig dogwood

Bloodtwig dogwood is a low-maintenance shrub that is popular especially in parks and gardens with reduced time for regular care.

Its main attraction are beautifully coloured leafless branches in winter. This variety shows glowing orange at the base to vivid red and purple towards the top of new, semi-glossy branches. To make sure the colour display will be stunning every year it is recommended to cut it back every couple of years to about 15 cm to encourage new growth with best colouring in winter.

Deciduous leaves are elliptical to ovate, dark green. Flowers are composed in numerous umbels coming out in mid spring. Their scent is not attractive for humans but for insects. Not to say that it stinks, we just think it is best viewed rather than smelled. Leaves turn grave shades of yellow, orange, pink and purple in autumn. Its winter colours will look great if planted in front of larger evergreen shrubs (conifers, cherry laurels, or hollies).

It grows moderately to fast about 1.5m tall and wide and can adapt to nearly any type of soil. It will even cope with slightly wet ground. Bloodtwig dogwood can be placed anywhere but will show the best colours in full sun. It is extremely hardy down to -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 22-12-2007